Saturday, June 07, 2008
And he’s gay....
Current mood: thoughtful
Okay, so my parents and my middle brother came to visit a couple of weeks ago. There were lots of things learned and discovered during that week and I will probably be posting about it for awhile, but I figured I would start with this.
There are moments when you realize that the way someone thinks is so far away from the way you think you aren't sure you can see eye to eye about anything. What do you do when that person is your mother?
I have 3 nephews and one niece. My eldest nephew is really the only one I had much contact with when he was little. I didn't move away until he was 6 and for a few years I took care of him every day after his daycare before his parents came home. We are only 12 years apart so though I was an "adult" when I would come to visit I was close enough in age that we could still talk. The other two boys and the girl are all closer in age and were born either right before I left Albuquerque or shortly thereafter. I saw them on visits home and am starting to build more of a relationship with my niece now via email and myspace. But the oldest of the boys I actually felt like I knew. And I was pretty protective over him while he was growing up.
There is more back-story there but I will save it for my book...
Anyway...my mother is giving me the update on all of the "kids" (they are all in their 20's now, so not so much kids anymore) and she gets to my oldest nephew. He recently moved back to Albuquerque from New York City. His is in a musical and has another play lined up after that. Mom is telling me about spending time with him and comparing him to the other nephews and says he doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he doesn't do drugs and then she said...."and he's gay". I just looked at her for a little bit, a little confused and then said, "yeah, I know, always has been, always will be" and she said, "well you just know with that lifestyle it's not what you would expect..."
Again I just stared at her for a little bit. Then had to ask, "just what do you think being gay means, Mom?" My brother looked up at that point with a little panic on his face...he could see the storm coming and knew he needed to take cover, but wasn't sure exactly where to go...and she says, "well you know they usually lead more of a decadent lifestyle" And I said, "most people lead either a pretty sober life or a not sober life or a life in the middle and I have never noticed it having anything to do with who you are attracted to."
So here is where I have to give full disclosure. If you want to set my teeth on edge talk to me about the "gay lifestyle" or the "gay agenda". I will go after you like a dog with a bone at that point. So to hear my own dear sweet mother who loves her grandson like she loves her life use "lifestyle" and assume her grandson would be out partying hard every night because well he's gay...
Then my phone rang and my 2:30 client was there...so we never got deep into the discussion, which is probably a good thing. A close friend and I once had an argument over gay marriage that ended with both of us in tears. I am just as incapable of seeing the other side in the argument as they are in seeing mine...
The only difference is I am right. :-)
I have to wonder if my folks got on the plane wondering how members of your own family could be so different from you cause I know I am.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
February - May 2008
All right, this is the LAST of the mass postings! Thanks for bearing with my extreme laziness in not wanting to reformat all of this! :-)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Boards
Current mood: giddy
I passed both of my boards!! I took my written today and you get your results right away and the results from my practical came in the mail today. I am so excited I can hardly contain myself! Yee haw!!
And Brent brought me cake to celebrate...it just keeps getting better and better!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Odd...
Current mood: cold
I am sitting in my basement listening to strangers walk around upstairs in my house...
They are rehanging all of my windows today and so I am locked up in the basement with both cats because it is FREEZING upstairs. The cats are hiding behind the couch, funny how they stopped being angry about being locked up as soon as the power tools started up!
It’s a very strange feeling to know that a group of strangers is walking around my house. But at least it will only take a day and then we can rehang our blinds and start moving the furniture back to where it belongs. Maybe someday soon the will get the siding redone and the plastic wrap can come down!!
11:35 AM
Friday, March 28, 2008
Finished!
Current mood: accomplished
My diploma came in the mail even though graduation isn’t until April 13th…it’s official I know my gluteaus maximus from my olecranon process (trust me, comedy GOLD!)
It’s been a wild 15 months. I learned more than I thought I ever could. Met some incredible people, met some people that made me do the slow head shake. Broke free from the agency. Leaving a job that pays well enough for a job that will pay half as much isn’t easy, even if the better paying job makes your jaw clench and your head hurt.
After worrying about taking on more than I could chew this last term with 3 classes and taking the boards I got my final grades for the term as well. Deep Tissue 100%, Trigger Point 98%, Myofascial 98%...I guess if I had been more realistic about my schedule I could have gotten that extra 4%! And yes, for those of you keeping track that makes it a perfect 4.0 GPA…not that grades matter to me at all….
Now I just need to find a space to hang my hat and start growing my practice. Wish me luck in finding something that I can afford that isn’t located directly behind a strip club, next to a junk yard, across the street from the abandon building with Tweaker spray painted on the side….
7:52 AM
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Parenting...
Current mood: amused
Okay, so I have been doing this for fifteen years and I still feel like I have NO clue what it is I am supposed to be doing...
I am going to set up my practice here at the house. The best space to do it is downstairs. Right now Christopher has a very nice teenage boy setup down there so we are in the process of condensing his stuff and moving him upstairs into my massage room and moving me downstairs into the bigger space. So, anyway, he is going away this weekend for a Jazz competition in Monterey (very big deal, over a hundred bands tried out only 12 were accepted, winner gets to perform on the mainstage this fall at the Monterey Jazz Festival) ANYWAY...his dad and I will be moving everything upstairs this weekend. SO I told him this morning that we would be doing that, and as part of doing that we would most likely be emptying drawers and getting rid of things so if he had anything he didn’t want us to see he should take care of it tonight.
He points out to me the very obvious, gee, nice of you to warn me, I would think it would have been better for you just to look for anything you think I wouldn’t want you to see instead of warning me to hide it better....D’Oh!
So I explained, that I trust him, I have no reason not to. I am pretty positive he is clean and sober and not participating in any illegal activities, but I respect his privacy as well and if he has personal notes in there that he doesn’t want to share with us, then he can move them or get rid of them. He tells me cool, I will go through stuff tonight just to make sure.
Now of course, I am wondering if I should run around today and look through all of his stuff just to make sure he isn’t hiding anything!!
I figure at this pace and learning curve I will have figured out how to be a parent by the time he moves out...maybe.
1:02 PM
Friday, May 02, 2008
Family...
Current mood: contemplative
So a few months ago while I was regaling a friend with the latest news about my family he suggested that I should write a book about them. So I have been tossing it around in my head...the only problem is that I don't think anyone would believe that all of the wacky stuff was really true!
So maybe a fictionalized account of what my extend family is like. What do you think? Does everyone have a book in them just dying to get out? Is everyone's family a comedy waiting to happen? Or is it just mine?
2:24 PM
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Falling out of love...
Current mood: angry
Okay, quick post and if I can stomach it I will post more on this topic later. I have officially fallen out of love. I was in love for many years, to the point of giddy at times. Now I am no longer in love and not only am I out of love I am working my way steadily to contempt. For years I made excuses for bad behavior. I talked myself back into love each time the bloom would being to fade. When something was said that I just KNEW KNEW KNEW was wrong I thought I must have heard something different, seen something different. It couldn't possibly be a HUGE LIE!
Yes, as sad as I am to face it, this is the LAST season of American Idol for me...I can't stand it anymore.
8:31 PM
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Eek!
Current mood: nervous
Just took Christopher to get his driver's permit...he passed the test and now can legally drive with someone over the age of 18 and licensed in the car. Of course he asked to drive home...I said no way! Then we started the lessons...this is the gas, this is the brake, stay this far away from the cars in front of you, ease off of and on to the gas and NEVER EVER drive as fast as Mom...Sunday morning if he is a good kid and nice to me all week I will take him over to the middle school and let him take his first turn behind the wheel. Wish me luck...then wish everyone on the road in Oregon luck!
4:18 PM
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Child Abuse
Current mood: depressed
I over heard a conversation today that made me want to take a child away from her parent and run for the door...
I was in the bookstore and the woman behind me in line told her child that she didn't want her spending all of her money on books. The poor child said...but I love to read...and her mother again told her, no, I won't let you use all of your money on books...ARGH!!! It hurt my teeth to hear this...made the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up...I actually butted in to their conversation...suggested the little girl think about which books she wanted to own and read again and again and only buy those books and get the rest from the library.
But it did make me a little sad. The little girl wasn't asking her mother to buy her the books, she was using her own money to buy them. She was maybe around 9 or 10...what else is she going to be spending her money on?
But her mother did say the library idea was a good one after I walked away...so maybe there is hope for the child yet...
2:53 PM
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Boards
Current mood: giddy
I passed both of my boards!! I took my written today and you get your results right away and the results from my practical came in the mail today. I am so excited I can hardly contain myself! Yee haw!!
And Brent brought me cake to celebrate...it just keeps getting better and better!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Odd...
Current mood: cold
I am sitting in my basement listening to strangers walk around upstairs in my house...
They are rehanging all of my windows today and so I am locked up in the basement with both cats because it is FREEZING upstairs. The cats are hiding behind the couch, funny how they stopped being angry about being locked up as soon as the power tools started up!
It’s a very strange feeling to know that a group of strangers is walking around my house. But at least it will only take a day and then we can rehang our blinds and start moving the furniture back to where it belongs. Maybe someday soon the will get the siding redone and the plastic wrap can come down!!
11:35 AM
Friday, March 28, 2008
Finished!
Current mood: accomplished
My diploma came in the mail even though graduation isn’t until April 13th…it’s official I know my gluteaus maximus from my olecranon process (trust me, comedy GOLD!)
It’s been a wild 15 months. I learned more than I thought I ever could. Met some incredible people, met some people that made me do the slow head shake. Broke free from the agency. Leaving a job that pays well enough for a job that will pay half as much isn’t easy, even if the better paying job makes your jaw clench and your head hurt.
After worrying about taking on more than I could chew this last term with 3 classes and taking the boards I got my final grades for the term as well. Deep Tissue 100%, Trigger Point 98%, Myofascial 98%...I guess if I had been more realistic about my schedule I could have gotten that extra 4%! And yes, for those of you keeping track that makes it a perfect 4.0 GPA…not that grades matter to me at all….
Now I just need to find a space to hang my hat and start growing my practice. Wish me luck in finding something that I can afford that isn’t located directly behind a strip club, next to a junk yard, across the street from the abandon building with Tweaker spray painted on the side….
7:52 AM
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Parenting...
Current mood: amused
Okay, so I have been doing this for fifteen years and I still feel like I have NO clue what it is I am supposed to be doing...
I am going to set up my practice here at the house. The best space to do it is downstairs. Right now Christopher has a very nice teenage boy setup down there so we are in the process of condensing his stuff and moving him upstairs into my massage room and moving me downstairs into the bigger space. So, anyway, he is going away this weekend for a Jazz competition in Monterey (very big deal, over a hundred bands tried out only 12 were accepted, winner gets to perform on the mainstage this fall at the Monterey Jazz Festival) ANYWAY...his dad and I will be moving everything upstairs this weekend. SO I told him this morning that we would be doing that, and as part of doing that we would most likely be emptying drawers and getting rid of things so if he had anything he didn’t want us to see he should take care of it tonight.
He points out to me the very obvious, gee, nice of you to warn me, I would think it would have been better for you just to look for anything you think I wouldn’t want you to see instead of warning me to hide it better....D’Oh!
So I explained, that I trust him, I have no reason not to. I am pretty positive he is clean and sober and not participating in any illegal activities, but I respect his privacy as well and if he has personal notes in there that he doesn’t want to share with us, then he can move them or get rid of them. He tells me cool, I will go through stuff tonight just to make sure.
Now of course, I am wondering if I should run around today and look through all of his stuff just to make sure he isn’t hiding anything!!
I figure at this pace and learning curve I will have figured out how to be a parent by the time he moves out...maybe.
1:02 PM
Friday, May 02, 2008
Family...
Current mood: contemplative
So a few months ago while I was regaling a friend with the latest news about my family he suggested that I should write a book about them. So I have been tossing it around in my head...the only problem is that I don't think anyone would believe that all of the wacky stuff was really true!
So maybe a fictionalized account of what my extend family is like. What do you think? Does everyone have a book in them just dying to get out? Is everyone's family a comedy waiting to happen? Or is it just mine?
2:24 PM
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Falling out of love...
Current mood: angry
Okay, quick post and if I can stomach it I will post more on this topic later. I have officially fallen out of love. I was in love for many years, to the point of giddy at times. Now I am no longer in love and not only am I out of love I am working my way steadily to contempt. For years I made excuses for bad behavior. I talked myself back into love each time the bloom would being to fade. When something was said that I just KNEW KNEW KNEW was wrong I thought I must have heard something different, seen something different. It couldn't possibly be a HUGE LIE!
Yes, as sad as I am to face it, this is the LAST season of American Idol for me...I can't stand it anymore.
8:31 PM
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Eek!
Current mood: nervous
Just took Christopher to get his driver's permit...he passed the test and now can legally drive with someone over the age of 18 and licensed in the car. Of course he asked to drive home...I said no way! Then we started the lessons...this is the gas, this is the brake, stay this far away from the cars in front of you, ease off of and on to the gas and NEVER EVER drive as fast as Mom...Sunday morning if he is a good kid and nice to me all week I will take him over to the middle school and let him take his first turn behind the wheel. Wish me luck...then wish everyone on the road in Oregon luck!
4:18 PM
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Child Abuse
Current mood: depressed
I over heard a conversation today that made me want to take a child away from her parent and run for the door...
I was in the bookstore and the woman behind me in line told her child that she didn't want her spending all of her money on books. The poor child said...but I love to read...and her mother again told her, no, I won't let you use all of your money on books...ARGH!!! It hurt my teeth to hear this...made the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up...I actually butted in to their conversation...suggested the little girl think about which books she wanted to own and read again and again and only buy those books and get the rest from the library.
But it did make me a little sad. The little girl wasn't asking her mother to buy her the books, she was using her own money to buy them. She was maybe around 9 or 10...what else is she going to be spending her money on?
But her mother did say the library idea was a good one after I walked away...so maybe there is hope for the child yet...
2:53 PM
Van Halen
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Van Halen...
Current mood: amused
Last night we went to the Van Halen concert. First off, it was great. David and Eddie look better than anyone who has lived the lives they have lived has a right to, let alone two men in their early 50s. Eddie is still a rock god beyond compare. The man can PLAY. Alex still looks like a freak of nature, but wildly talented. Wolfgang was fun to watch, but I did miss Michael Anthony.
But it wasn't all sunshine and roses...I have told my David Lee Roth story for years and years and years. It's my first brush with fame and the first time I was ever proposed to. But last night my illusion was shattered. Watching DLR last night strut across stage wearing outfits he either borrowed from Adam Ant or stole from the local marching band (thanks Brent for the description) posing and preening and waving a flag better than any drum majorette I realized...he didn't want to marry me because of my outstanding beauty and virtue...oh no...he wanted to marry me because that way he could stop with the whole icky sex with a woman thing...my only excuse is that it was the 80s, every front man was flamboyant and I was only 13 and how was I supposed to know??
There was a point where he was talking about how he loved the line up a woman's stocking and that she can take the dress off but leave on the shoes...and I am thinking...Why? So you can try them on later?
Don't get me wrong, I loved seeing him. He looked healthy and his cheesy grin was in full effect. He was still so much fun to watch and I thought he sounded better than he has for years but my little teenage smug self got hit with a bit of harsh reality last night...instead of Denise Leann Clifton so cute even rock stars loved me...I was Denise Leann Clifton...Beard for Diamond Dave....sigh...
I wonder if he would let me borrow the white jacket with the black sequins?
:-)
Van Halen...
Current mood: amused
Last night we went to the Van Halen concert. First off, it was great. David and Eddie look better than anyone who has lived the lives they have lived has a right to, let alone two men in their early 50s. Eddie is still a rock god beyond compare. The man can PLAY. Alex still looks like a freak of nature, but wildly talented. Wolfgang was fun to watch, but I did miss Michael Anthony.
But it wasn't all sunshine and roses...I have told my David Lee Roth story for years and years and years. It's my first brush with fame and the first time I was ever proposed to. But last night my illusion was shattered. Watching DLR last night strut across stage wearing outfits he either borrowed from Adam Ant or stole from the local marching band (thanks Brent for the description) posing and preening and waving a flag better than any drum majorette I realized...he didn't want to marry me because of my outstanding beauty and virtue...oh no...he wanted to marry me because that way he could stop with the whole icky sex with a woman thing...my only excuse is that it was the 80s, every front man was flamboyant and I was only 13 and how was I supposed to know??
There was a point where he was talking about how he loved the line up a woman's stocking and that she can take the dress off but leave on the shoes...and I am thinking...Why? So you can try them on later?
Don't get me wrong, I loved seeing him. He looked healthy and his cheesy grin was in full effect. He was still so much fun to watch and I thought he sounded better than he has for years but my little teenage smug self got hit with a bit of harsh reality last night...instead of Denise Leann Clifton so cute even rock stars loved me...I was Denise Leann Clifton...Beard for Diamond Dave....sigh...
I wonder if he would let me borrow the white jacket with the black sequins?
:-)
September 2007- January 2008
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Almost done...
Current mood: disappointed
One day to go. And let me tell you today was a reminder of all the reasons why I need to get out.
I had been second guessing myself...hard to be here when others were at Brand Vision. Just felt wrong. Felt like I was missing something. And I did miss being there. Being in the thick of it all.
But today my boss reinforced why I needed to leave. He has impeccable timing really. Second time he has done that. Just reinforced that it was a good reason to leave. Sigh...
but his conscience is clear and he can sleep at night...
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Wow...
Current mood: contemplative
And I no longer work for Livengood/Nowack...how bizarre...
I went in today to pick up my car and drop off my keys. Only one in the office for the very last time. Turned off Becky's light...she forgets sometimes...for the last time. Looked around the place and thought...I don't work here anymore. I think it's going to take a few weeks for that to really sink in. I don't work there anymore....
grin....
Friday, September 28, 2007
Whew...and yee haw!
Current mood: relieved
Grades came today. Pulled my As for the term...yes I know I was all about accepting a lower grade and how it would be fine...but that's when I thought I wasn't going to be able to pull out an A.
One more week of term break then it's back to school...but this time instead of back to school with a full time job, a part time job and homework I will be down to one job and homework! Yee haw!!
3:32 PM
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Updates...
Current mood: contemplative
Okay school is rolling on. Had my first round of quizzes in both classes. Did really well in modalities, not so well in clinic. But I will make it up on later quizzes in clinic hopefully so not too terribly worried.
Actual first day of the client side in clinic was last week, it was really hectic and nerve wracking and intense...but fun all in all. And one of the two clients I saw last week called and requested me to see me again this week, so that is pretty damn cool. I just might be good at this stuff!
First half of the term in modalities is all Eastern practices, so energy work and such things. Really really really different than what we have been doing. I had to learn meridians and acupoints and tomorrow we do some Shiatsu. It's different. All we are is little bits of electrical energy held together so it makes sense that energy work would help...but it's still a wild concept to put your brain around.
Clinic is really like two different classes; Mondays it's like...well...hell. And I mean that in the nicest possible way...It's a business class. Taught by someone who admittedly doesn't care for business...so you can just imagine. Then on Wednesdays we have actual clinic where we are seeing clients and doing the intake and exit paper work and giving two massages and trying to keep everything running smoothly all within the right amount of time...it's pretty fabulous. But like I said, a little nerve wracking. I am sure we will all get our share of great clients and cranky pants clients.
Still adjusting to not working for L/N anymore. In a way it still feels slightly like a vacation and that I will be back at work there eventually. I guess it's just that I was there for so long and it was so big a part of how I defined myself that it's just going to take longer than I thought it would to totally disengage. BUT...that is not to say I am not thrilled to be gone. I am starting to feel more and more like my old self. At least in flashes. Someday soon I might even be able to sort the box of stuff I packed from my desk without getting cranky all over again. Someday. Not now though.
9:14 AM
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Small things
Current mood: relieved
Last week Brent had an appointment at OHSU to have his heart checked out. Very cool little set of tests they did. They slowed his heart rate WAY down, injected him with some dye and then gave him a nitroglycerin pill to open the blood vessel wide. All of this while doing a scan. ANYWAY... we get to the hospital at 1, and are there until 5 for all of these tests. Brent has a port in his arm the entire time so they can put the dye and the meds through as needed and is lying on a gurney with monitors on him at various times to make sure his heart rate is low but not too low. And we are chatting about life and what we need to do that night still and all the things you chat about in a normal day, while the whole time he and I are both silently thinking Please, God, don't let there be anything wrong with his/my heart....
So anyway at the end of the scan while they have him in recovery waiting for his heart rate and blood pressure to recover enough that we can leave Dr. Shapiro comes in to the room. Dr. Shapiro is the specialist at the hospital who is going to read the results from these tests. He comes in and tells us that he has not seen all of the angles and film but wanted us to know that from the first set of pictures he has reviewed everything looks great. Two minutes extra out of his day tops. Hello, I am Dr. Shapiro and blah blah blah...and he was gone.
Can I tell you what a big deal that was? Why can't more doctors be like that? Why can't it be like a service industry? It didn't take a lot of his time but it made both of us feel much better. Now granted, we are still waiting until next week when Brent goes back to Dr. Oh for the rest of his tests to really breathe deeply, but still...it was huge.
Thanks OHSU and Dr. Shapiro for getting it...
9:30 AM
Friday, December 21, 2007
Term Break...
Current mood: excited
Usually I am so excited about two weeks with no homework...but this time around I am only taking a 6 day break with no homework then I start studying for the boards...did my CPR class yesterday and that was the last piece I had to finish before I could apply. Just amazing that in 6 weeks or so I will be a LMT...assuming that I pass both of my boards of course.
January is going to be busy. I am taking three specialty classes on Tuesday/Thursday from 8-6. And studying for and taking my boards. And working my consulting gig. It's going to fly by that is for sure! Goal, of course, is to make As in all three classes, pass both boards with flying colors and work enough that my boss doesn't feel he is getting ripped off. That's all...no sweat right? Oh and try to have a decent homelife in there as well...and read a book...or a magazine...or maybe just the back of a cereal box.
8:54 AM
Friday, December 28, 2007
It’s here!! It’s here!!
Current mood: excited
My official copy of my transcript came today! Which means I can now apply to take the boards! Which means I can pass the boards! Which means I can be licensed! Which means I can start making MONEY! Woo HOO!!!!
Oh and by the way...4.0. Just in case you were wondering.
8:03 PM
6:40 PM
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Random things...
Current mood: inspired
Okay, just a few things I wanted to share. One is that I am a little in love with Carson Kressley. I watched How to Look Good Naked yesterday and it was really pretty awesome. I watched it based on a good review and am glad that I did. It was schmaltzy and had a TON of product placement but it was also sweet and moving and made me glad that it was on TV and made me wish that every woman could spend a week with Carson Kressley or someone like him. Watch it if you get a chance. And if you have younger women and girls in your life have them watch it as well. If I had learned to appreciate my shape instead of bemoaning my curves when I was younger I could have RULED the world!!
Second random thing...I finally sorted the three boxes of stuff that I brought home from L/N. I knew eventually I would get to the point where I could look at those things and not clench my teeth and get angry all over again. I knew I could do it when I was talking to SD about catering and he said Christy was coming by and I had no idea who that was....and I had to really think about it for a bit to figure out why he thought I would know the name...Christy is my replacement at L/N...
And last thing...I put together my shadow box/collage of things people have given me the past year as I started out on this journey and it made me appreciate all of my friends for their support even more! I couldn't have done it with them!!
Ready, set...last term starts Tuesday, applications for the boards went in the mail last week...GO!!!
3:40 PM
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
February 6th
Current mood: nervous
The packet from the Oregon Board came today....February 6th is the big day for my practical exam! Yee haw!! Now let's see when the written exam gets scheduled. With the delay from the practical I might be licensed just as I graduate...which would work out just fine as far as getting a job goes...
A month away. Study, girl, study!!
5:30 PM
Almost done...
Current mood: disappointed
One day to go. And let me tell you today was a reminder of all the reasons why I need to get out.
I had been second guessing myself...hard to be here when others were at Brand Vision. Just felt wrong. Felt like I was missing something. And I did miss being there. Being in the thick of it all.
But today my boss reinforced why I needed to leave. He has impeccable timing really. Second time he has done that. Just reinforced that it was a good reason to leave. Sigh...
but his conscience is clear and he can sleep at night...
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Wow...
Current mood: contemplative
And I no longer work for Livengood/Nowack...how bizarre...
I went in today to pick up my car and drop off my keys. Only one in the office for the very last time. Turned off Becky's light...she forgets sometimes...for the last time. Looked around the place and thought...I don't work here anymore. I think it's going to take a few weeks for that to really sink in. I don't work there anymore....
grin....
Friday, September 28, 2007
Whew...and yee haw!
Current mood: relieved
Grades came today. Pulled my As for the term...yes I know I was all about accepting a lower grade and how it would be fine...but that's when I thought I wasn't going to be able to pull out an A.
One more week of term break then it's back to school...but this time instead of back to school with a full time job, a part time job and homework I will be down to one job and homework! Yee haw!!
3:32 PM
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Updates...
Current mood: contemplative
Okay school is rolling on. Had my first round of quizzes in both classes. Did really well in modalities, not so well in clinic. But I will make it up on later quizzes in clinic hopefully so not too terribly worried.
Actual first day of the client side in clinic was last week, it was really hectic and nerve wracking and intense...but fun all in all. And one of the two clients I saw last week called and requested me to see me again this week, so that is pretty damn cool. I just might be good at this stuff!
First half of the term in modalities is all Eastern practices, so energy work and such things. Really really really different than what we have been doing. I had to learn meridians and acupoints and tomorrow we do some Shiatsu. It's different. All we are is little bits of electrical energy held together so it makes sense that energy work would help...but it's still a wild concept to put your brain around.
Clinic is really like two different classes; Mondays it's like...well...hell. And I mean that in the nicest possible way...It's a business class. Taught by someone who admittedly doesn't care for business...so you can just imagine. Then on Wednesdays we have actual clinic where we are seeing clients and doing the intake and exit paper work and giving two massages and trying to keep everything running smoothly all within the right amount of time...it's pretty fabulous. But like I said, a little nerve wracking. I am sure we will all get our share of great clients and cranky pants clients.
Still adjusting to not working for L/N anymore. In a way it still feels slightly like a vacation and that I will be back at work there eventually. I guess it's just that I was there for so long and it was so big a part of how I defined myself that it's just going to take longer than I thought it would to totally disengage. BUT...that is not to say I am not thrilled to be gone. I am starting to feel more and more like my old self. At least in flashes. Someday soon I might even be able to sort the box of stuff I packed from my desk without getting cranky all over again. Someday. Not now though.
9:14 AM
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Small things
Current mood: relieved
Last week Brent had an appointment at OHSU to have his heart checked out. Very cool little set of tests they did. They slowed his heart rate WAY down, injected him with some dye and then gave him a nitroglycerin pill to open the blood vessel wide. All of this while doing a scan. ANYWAY... we get to the hospital at 1, and are there until 5 for all of these tests. Brent has a port in his arm the entire time so they can put the dye and the meds through as needed and is lying on a gurney with monitors on him at various times to make sure his heart rate is low but not too low. And we are chatting about life and what we need to do that night still and all the things you chat about in a normal day, while the whole time he and I are both silently thinking Please, God, don't let there be anything wrong with his/my heart....
So anyway at the end of the scan while they have him in recovery waiting for his heart rate and blood pressure to recover enough that we can leave Dr. Shapiro comes in to the room. Dr. Shapiro is the specialist at the hospital who is going to read the results from these tests. He comes in and tells us that he has not seen all of the angles and film but wanted us to know that from the first set of pictures he has reviewed everything looks great. Two minutes extra out of his day tops. Hello, I am Dr. Shapiro and blah blah blah...and he was gone.
Can I tell you what a big deal that was? Why can't more doctors be like that? Why can't it be like a service industry? It didn't take a lot of his time but it made both of us feel much better. Now granted, we are still waiting until next week when Brent goes back to Dr. Oh for the rest of his tests to really breathe deeply, but still...it was huge.
Thanks OHSU and Dr. Shapiro for getting it...
9:30 AM
Friday, December 21, 2007
Term Break...
Current mood: excited
Usually I am so excited about two weeks with no homework...but this time around I am only taking a 6 day break with no homework then I start studying for the boards...did my CPR class yesterday and that was the last piece I had to finish before I could apply. Just amazing that in 6 weeks or so I will be a LMT...assuming that I pass both of my boards of course.
January is going to be busy. I am taking three specialty classes on Tuesday/Thursday from 8-6. And studying for and taking my boards. And working my consulting gig. It's going to fly by that is for sure! Goal, of course, is to make As in all three classes, pass both boards with flying colors and work enough that my boss doesn't feel he is getting ripped off. That's all...no sweat right? Oh and try to have a decent homelife in there as well...and read a book...or a magazine...or maybe just the back of a cereal box.
8:54 AM
Friday, December 28, 2007
It’s here!! It’s here!!
Current mood: excited
My official copy of my transcript came today! Which means I can now apply to take the boards! Which means I can pass the boards! Which means I can be licensed! Which means I can start making MONEY! Woo HOO!!!!
Oh and by the way...4.0. Just in case you were wondering.
8:03 PM
6:40 PM
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Random things...
Current mood: inspired
Okay, just a few things I wanted to share. One is that I am a little in love with Carson Kressley. I watched How to Look Good Naked yesterday and it was really pretty awesome. I watched it based on a good review and am glad that I did. It was schmaltzy and had a TON of product placement but it was also sweet and moving and made me glad that it was on TV and made me wish that every woman could spend a week with Carson Kressley or someone like him. Watch it if you get a chance. And if you have younger women and girls in your life have them watch it as well. If I had learned to appreciate my shape instead of bemoaning my curves when I was younger I could have RULED the world!!
Second random thing...I finally sorted the three boxes of stuff that I brought home from L/N. I knew eventually I would get to the point where I could look at those things and not clench my teeth and get angry all over again. I knew I could do it when I was talking to SD about catering and he said Christy was coming by and I had no idea who that was....and I had to really think about it for a bit to figure out why he thought I would know the name...Christy is my replacement at L/N...
And last thing...I put together my shadow box/collage of things people have given me the past year as I started out on this journey and it made me appreciate all of my friends for their support even more! I couldn't have done it with them!!
Ready, set...last term starts Tuesday, applications for the boards went in the mail last week...GO!!!
3:40 PM
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
February 6th
Current mood: nervous
The packet from the Oregon Board came today....February 6th is the big day for my practical exam! Yee haw!! Now let's see when the written exam gets scheduled. With the delay from the practical I might be licensed just as I graduate...which would work out just fine as far as getting a job goes...
A month away. Study, girl, study!!
5:30 PM
September 2007
These two posts I separated from the rest. You will understand why when you read them.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
The call...
Current mood: sad
We have been preparing ourselves for "the call" for probably two years. Nine years ago my father had quadruple bypass surgery. Three years ago he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. This past year it was discovered he had COPD; the tissue of his lungs is dying, hardening so that he can no longer take a full breath. He is 77 years old. For the past 20 years he has been the oldest living male in his family history. So we have been preparing ourselves. Today we got "the call".
But it wasn't my mother on the other end of the line, it was Brent's.
Brent's father who survived not one but two tours in Vietnam. Who just spent a year in Afghanistan. Who has been patrolling the border between New Mexico and Mexico for the past 8 months dealing with drug runners and coyotes (the people, not the animals, though that could be debated...). Who was only 58 years old. Suffered a massive heart attack Saturday night and died. We weren't ready for that call.
Monday, September 17, 2007
stress much....
Current mood: melancholy
One final out of three finished.
Two more days of training my replacement to go.
Three total days left of going in to that job.
The trip home is finished, the Memorial Service done.
Though the shock and stress of losing Jack so unexpectedly has not really faded much. It's more of an ignoring and avoiding thing right now. If I stop and think about it, it's all still right there. I am living with regret and sadness right now over so much...the conversations I wanted to have with him about Afghanistan, but wanted to give him time home before barging right in. The unfinished book I will never get a chance to have him sign at his publishing party. The time that Christopher will not be able to spend with him. The calming and tempering effect he always had on Ann. The extra pressure and responsibility that Brent is now facing. Wondering if maybe we should have had another child just so Christopher never has to face that. It's just so much...
2:09 PM
Sunday, September 02, 2007
The call...
Current mood: sad
We have been preparing ourselves for "the call" for probably two years. Nine years ago my father had quadruple bypass surgery. Three years ago he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. This past year it was discovered he had COPD; the tissue of his lungs is dying, hardening so that he can no longer take a full breath. He is 77 years old. For the past 20 years he has been the oldest living male in his family history. So we have been preparing ourselves. Today we got "the call".
But it wasn't my mother on the other end of the line, it was Brent's.
Brent's father who survived not one but two tours in Vietnam. Who just spent a year in Afghanistan. Who has been patrolling the border between New Mexico and Mexico for the past 8 months dealing with drug runners and coyotes (the people, not the animals, though that could be debated...). Who was only 58 years old. Suffered a massive heart attack Saturday night and died. We weren't ready for that call.
Monday, September 17, 2007
stress much....
Current mood: melancholy
One final out of three finished.
Two more days of training my replacement to go.
Three total days left of going in to that job.
The trip home is finished, the Memorial Service done.
Though the shock and stress of losing Jack so unexpectedly has not really faded much. It's more of an ignoring and avoiding thing right now. If I stop and think about it, it's all still right there. I am living with regret and sadness right now over so much...the conversations I wanted to have with him about Afghanistan, but wanted to give him time home before barging right in. The unfinished book I will never get a chance to have him sign at his publishing party. The time that Christopher will not be able to spend with him. The calming and tempering effect he always had on Ann. The extra pressure and responsibility that Brent is now facing. Wondering if maybe we should have had another child just so Christopher never has to face that. It's just so much...
2:09 PM
May - August 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Wow....
Current mood: frustrated
Okay, it's been awhile since I last blogged. Busy term.
Just finished mid-terms today. Monday was Anatomy and Physiology and today was Massage 2. A&P went spectacularly. Ended up with 244 out of 240 possible points due to extra credit. Can I get a woo and a hoo? Really sort of digging that class. Pure science, nothing to do but to learn it. And Padeen is such a fun teacher. Really brings a lot to the class. It's very interesting to finally understand how my body is working at a cellular level. Very cool.
Massage 2...well now...that's a totally different story. Really a very frustrating class. I like the instructor. Lisa seems like a great person, really high energy, really positive. But the tests...OMG....we only have two written quizzes, the mid-term and the final and the same in the practicals. So really no room for error there. After the first quiz I left the room in a daze...no idea how I did. But up to that point I wasn't really sure I was "getting" the class either. It's all about movement and assessment. But a couple weeks ago there was the shift I had been waiting for and all of a sudden the heavens parted and the angels sang and I really felt like I was getting it. Monday we did a test run for the practical and did some quizzing in the class and I really felt pretty confident about the test today...
Mari, Stacy and I went up early and took the practical on the break between classes, and yep, went well. Really did get it. I missed 2 points out of 160 possible. I can deal with a 98%. Then came the written....OMG...I have never taken so long to complete a test. Never felt so lost on a test. Even in high school when I wouldn't bother to study I felt better about them! I have absolutely no clue how I did. I don't even know for sure that I understood what they were looking for on half the questions. Called Mari and Stacy afterward and they both felt the same way...so at least I know it was the test that sucked and not me. Thank God for them!! So glad we took the practical first, I was so frustrated and brain dead by the time the written was over I don't think I could have taken the practical and done well afterward.
So on the first quiz I left in a daze, not sure I did well and ended up with a good grade...let's hope that's true this time as well...
Monday, May 21, 2007
Whew...
Current mood: relieved
Okay did well on the Massage midterm as well...
still a little frustrated, as well as I did I should have felt that leaving the class instead of totally lost as to how I did...
But...can't complain too much when you have an A right?
6:21 PM
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Two weeks and no homework!
Current mood: relieved
Woo hoo!! Finals are done. And I pulled my A's. Woo hoo again! Hard hard hard term this time. Glad I pulled it out and am done.
Two out of three science class down. Pathology next term with Massage 3. But...have I mentioned....I have no homework for the next two weeks!
Thanks to everyone for the good luck wishes!
7:05 PM
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Did I mention no homework?
Current mood: relaxed
Went to the coast yesterday to pick up Christopher from camp. He had a great time. The band he was in sounded fabulous. Concert band material instead of jazz so it was different than what we have been listening to him play.
The first song they did was called Song of the Sailor and the Sea (I think?) and it was pretty incredible. The drum they started with sounded just like the ocean rolling in and out. Then there was a section with whale sounds that they did with the drums and a little water. It was pretty awesome. Of course I love that shit...as it was pointed out to me on the drive home if only I had a tattoo or something that showed my love for the ocean...or maybe a ton of whales, dolphins, lighthouses and waves in my house...hmmm....maybe I could work on that...
The last song they did was a bunch of themes from space movies, lots of trumpet so it was fun to hear him play. And it was really perky and upbeat. They also did a song called October which featured the oboe, not a lot of songs that feature the oboe, but it was really pretty. Christopher said he thought it was pretty, but as he doesn't like pretty, he likes upbeat and fun he didn't care for it much. At least he knows what he likes right?
It's good to have the boy child back. I missed him while he was gone. Only 3 more years before he wanders off into the great wide world....amazing...
Here is where I know I am old (but not that old)...the intermediate band played and there was this girl in the band probably about 14 or 15 wearing just caked on eyeliner (poor little emo girl) and then later when Christopher's band was playing she came in dressed in her street clothes (Avril is that you?) and I thought...oh man...her parents are in trouble with that one...so I am watching Christopher's band play and there is this kid on drums with his highly stylized hair cut...it's supposed to look wind swept to one side...anyway...it's so long that it's in his eyes while he is trying to play so he keeps doing this complicated head shake to get it out of his eyes but still keep the right "look" to it. It's making me laugh. So I poke Brent and tell him to look cause it's funny....so then one of the times he whips his head around I see this GIANT hickey on his neck...ah...yeah...drummers get all the play. And after the concert when the kids are all saying goodbye to each other, who has her hand in Mr. Drummer's back pocket? Yep, you guessed it...eyeliner girl...her parents are in SO much trouble.
11:53 AM
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Body Worlds
Current mood: impressed
Okay, I went to Body Worlds 3 on Friday and I have to say if it ever comes someplace near you, you have to go! I had no urge to go at all but Christopher wanted to and then he got a free ticket...and Brent took the day off...and blah blah blah woof woof...there we were at Body Worlds.
A couple of people that I go to school with had already been and loved it, but I was really put off by the promo shots. I do okay in class with the anatomy videos (really really fresh corpse) until they start moving the joints or pushing the muscles aside. Then I get a little squicky...so I wasn't really sure how I was going to deal with real bodies up close and personal.
But no worries...it was so cool I was completely enthralled from the start. And it gave me a chance to show Brent and Christopher just exactly what I have been learning in school. Christopher told me after we left that there was a woman following he and I through the whole exhibit listening to me explaining to him what muscles we were looking at and what they were doing. It made me laugh.
I think every elementary school kid and their parents should have to look at the smokers lungs and then again in middle school as a reminder. I think you would see a lot of adults quitting and not very many kids starting. It was really intense.
I could go on and on about the exhibit but just trust me and go if you can. Also be sure to make sure it's a Body Worlds exhibit or another exhibit that knows just exactly where the bodies come from...one of the ones that is like that has been using the bodies of Chinese prisoners of war. Not that they care now that they are dead, but it just seems so disrespectful to have not had the choice.
1:14 PM
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Here we go again...
Current mood: tired
Okay, start of third term was last Monday. Pathology and Massage 3 this time around. And as usual I was traveling the first week of class with work! Ugh! Missed the lecture on Wednesday that I will be taking a quiz on Monday. God Bless Mari for taking notes for me.
This term I have the same instructor for both classes so 6 hours straight with one teacher. Hopefully she will be good. So far I think she will be hard but fair. That's an okay combination. We will see if my opinion changes as the term goes along.
It was my last trip to Louisville last week. It was kind of weird sitting in the meeting knowing I would not be doing it again. I have seen the same faces for 5 years at these things and to know that this is the last time I will see most of them was odd. Especially since I couldn't really say anything about leaving.
I got a chance to have lunch with Holly (friend of mine back there) and that was wonderful. She is pregnant with her first baby; due in October and looks wonderful. I love a happy pregnant lady!
Okay back to the books, just wanted to give a quick update!
3:02 PM
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Thanks for making it easy....
Current mood: angry
Okay, I gave my boss THE DAY today. Last day will come at the end of September. But he made it really easy on me. Stopped talking to me. Got pissy. Then took credit for an ad I created. Thanks! Now I just wish I could do it earlier...
Seriously...when all is said and done he will have had 10 months notice. WHO DOES THAT?? Ten months! But nope, not enough for him to be a grown up about me leaving.
And then taking credit for my work, now that is just not acceptable.
What a piece of work...
7:44 PM
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
7 more weeks...
Current mood: excited
That's my new mantra. Or at least for this week...next week it will be 6 more weeks...then 5 more weeks...you get the point.
My last day of work is in 7 more weeks. My last day of class for this term is in 7 more weeks. When I make it through this last incredibly busy frustrating time period life should get easier and I can go back to being a little more smiley and a little less bitchy...and believe me EVERYONE is ready for that!!
Wish me (and everyone around me) luck!!
3:55 PM
Saturday, August 11, 2007
6 more weeks...and now midterms...
Current mood: determined
All right, midterms are this week. Spent last week, part of today and will spend all of tomorrow studying. Really, really, really, really want to get those A's. I am trying hard on one hand to accept that it just might not happen with this particular instructor and class structure...but it's just so not my personality to be happy with anything less than that A grade.
Argh...
Wish me luck, either to accept that a B is a perfectly acceptable grade, or to get that A. Your choice!
8:32 PM
Monday, August 13, 2007
Yeah...I don’t think so...
Current mood: drained
So I don't think I got that A. I won't have my grades until next week, the instructor is leaving for Iceland to run a marathon and won't be back in class until next Wednesday so no grades until she comes back....
But I think I am going to have to be happy with a B, and maybe even grateful I pulled that out. Ugh....
So my self esteem is taking a beating this week between work and school and stuff. And to top it off Danny Bonaduce dropped me from his friends, I mean how bad do you have to be for Bonaduce to drop you??
I need to go to the mall....like Sally Field in Soap Dish...probably nobody out there reading this gets that reference...but trust me...it's comedy gold.
Okay...off to study again for round two on Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Failing Up...
Current mood: frustrated
So what do you do when your whole view on how the world works is continually shaken by someone who can fall in a bucket of shit and come out smelling like roses over and over and over?? And not just falling in...but jumping in and wallowing about for a bit...
I have always believed that good things happen to good people and that if you are not a good person the world catches up to you and you fail. But this guy just continues to do the wrong thing, make the wrong choice, be the jerk and even when it looks like he will finally reap the consequences of his actions something happens that saves his ass from the payback. OVER and OVER and OVER....
it's frustrating...just when did he sell his soul to the devil and how long of a deal did he arrange??
Friday, August 17, 2007
Humbled...
Current mood: contemplative
So last week was a wreck, this week was a wreck and yesterday had all of the earmarks of being a wreck.
And then...the people in my life that matter rallied and made yesterday one of the most touching days I have ever had. At the end of the co-op meeting one by one my favorite franchisees said that they appreciated me and what I have done for them. And that out of all the people that have ever worked for them I was the best. The best. Wow. Now I know people always have nice things to say as you leave, but they were so sweet. Scott got all red eyed and sincere, Jeff talked about how even his managers looked forward to spending time with me, Justin talked about all that I have done personally for their business..and then at the end of the meeting Todd stood up and said, "when people are this good at what they do we only have one way of showing it" and they gave me a standing ovation. Yeah...right in to the ugly cry. I am touched. Humbled. Amazed. What am I going to do without these amazing people in my life?
7:23 PM
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Monday, August 20, 2007
Funny....
Current mood: amused
So today I turned 39 and last night I hurt my hip...so I am officially the old woman with the bad hip!!
Last year in my 30s. Next year will be graduation and a new career! Can't wait to see what the next 39 years bring!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Well I’ll Be...Or I’ll A I guess....
Current mood: ecstatic
TJ got back from Iceland and was in class today so we got our midterm grades...and I got an A on the Pathology midterm so now I have an A in that class. And I got a high enough A on the written Midterm in M3 to bring that B up to an A. I was shocked, but very excited and incredibly relieved. So there you go...GPA salvaged for the time being...
4:47 PM
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Tired....
Current mood: sad
...have you ever reached the point where you are just bone tired? Soul tired? Feel like you just need about a year of peace and quiet to recuperate? Tired of having the same fights with the same people? Tired of feeling like you are obviously the crazy one? What do you do with yourself when you reach that point? I used to take a day off from the world and lose myself in a good book. Recharge the batteries, but I don't have a day to give right now, so what's a quick pick me up, soul recharge...any suggestions?
3:39 PM
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Oh duh...
Current mood: relaxed
Okay, answered my own question...
Did an exchange with Stacy this morning and feel so much better. So...that quick break/pick me up I needed? yeah...massage. Giving and receiving...
Massage student relax thyself...
7:14 PM
Friday, August 31, 2007
Three weeks to go....
Current mood: relieved
The end is in sight! Going to be a busy three weeks for sure. Met my replacement yesterday...kind of creepy...we look alike. It's almost like he thought if he hired someone that looks like me he could slip her in without anyone noticing...
I am really feeling pretty darn good today. I had a job offer this week that I was tempted by for about 12 hours...then turned down. I know what days I will have to train my replacement. I got to spend time with a good friend that I didn't think I would be able to. I get to see another good friend tomorrow at yet another good friend's wedding. I got reinforcement that massage is what makes me happy. And best of all...I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am pretty sure it's not a train!
Now on to writing a term paper and studying for finals and training my replacement....busy busy busy...
but almost done!!
7:09 PM
Wow....
Current mood: frustrated
Okay, it's been awhile since I last blogged. Busy term.
Just finished mid-terms today. Monday was Anatomy and Physiology and today was Massage 2. A&P went spectacularly. Ended up with 244 out of 240 possible points due to extra credit. Can I get a woo and a hoo? Really sort of digging that class. Pure science, nothing to do but to learn it. And Padeen is such a fun teacher. Really brings a lot to the class. It's very interesting to finally understand how my body is working at a cellular level. Very cool.
Massage 2...well now...that's a totally different story. Really a very frustrating class. I like the instructor. Lisa seems like a great person, really high energy, really positive. But the tests...OMG....we only have two written quizzes, the mid-term and the final and the same in the practicals. So really no room for error there. After the first quiz I left the room in a daze...no idea how I did. But up to that point I wasn't really sure I was "getting" the class either. It's all about movement and assessment. But a couple weeks ago there was the shift I had been waiting for and all of a sudden the heavens parted and the angels sang and I really felt like I was getting it. Monday we did a test run for the practical and did some quizzing in the class and I really felt pretty confident about the test today...
Mari, Stacy and I went up early and took the practical on the break between classes, and yep, went well. Really did get it. I missed 2 points out of 160 possible. I can deal with a 98%. Then came the written....OMG...I have never taken so long to complete a test. Never felt so lost on a test. Even in high school when I wouldn't bother to study I felt better about them! I have absolutely no clue how I did. I don't even know for sure that I understood what they were looking for on half the questions. Called Mari and Stacy afterward and they both felt the same way...so at least I know it was the test that sucked and not me. Thank God for them!! So glad we took the practical first, I was so frustrated and brain dead by the time the written was over I don't think I could have taken the practical and done well afterward.
So on the first quiz I left in a daze, not sure I did well and ended up with a good grade...let's hope that's true this time as well...
Monday, May 21, 2007
Whew...
Current mood: relieved
Okay did well on the Massage midterm as well...
still a little frustrated, as well as I did I should have felt that leaving the class instead of totally lost as to how I did...
But...can't complain too much when you have an A right?
6:21 PM
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Two weeks and no homework!
Current mood: relieved
Woo hoo!! Finals are done. And I pulled my A's. Woo hoo again! Hard hard hard term this time. Glad I pulled it out and am done.
Two out of three science class down. Pathology next term with Massage 3. But...have I mentioned....I have no homework for the next two weeks!
Thanks to everyone for the good luck wishes!
7:05 PM
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Did I mention no homework?
Current mood: relaxed
Went to the coast yesterday to pick up Christopher from camp. He had a great time. The band he was in sounded fabulous. Concert band material instead of jazz so it was different than what we have been listening to him play.
The first song they did was called Song of the Sailor and the Sea (I think?) and it was pretty incredible. The drum they started with sounded just like the ocean rolling in and out. Then there was a section with whale sounds that they did with the drums and a little water. It was pretty awesome. Of course I love that shit...as it was pointed out to me on the drive home if only I had a tattoo or something that showed my love for the ocean...or maybe a ton of whales, dolphins, lighthouses and waves in my house...hmmm....maybe I could work on that...
The last song they did was a bunch of themes from space movies, lots of trumpet so it was fun to hear him play. And it was really perky and upbeat. They also did a song called October which featured the oboe, not a lot of songs that feature the oboe, but it was really pretty. Christopher said he thought it was pretty, but as he doesn't like pretty, he likes upbeat and fun he didn't care for it much. At least he knows what he likes right?
It's good to have the boy child back. I missed him while he was gone. Only 3 more years before he wanders off into the great wide world....amazing...
Here is where I know I am old (but not that old)...the intermediate band played and there was this girl in the band probably about 14 or 15 wearing just caked on eyeliner (poor little emo girl) and then later when Christopher's band was playing she came in dressed in her street clothes (Avril is that you?) and I thought...oh man...her parents are in trouble with that one...so I am watching Christopher's band play and there is this kid on drums with his highly stylized hair cut...it's supposed to look wind swept to one side...anyway...it's so long that it's in his eyes while he is trying to play so he keeps doing this complicated head shake to get it out of his eyes but still keep the right "look" to it. It's making me laugh. So I poke Brent and tell him to look cause it's funny....so then one of the times he whips his head around I see this GIANT hickey on his neck...ah...yeah...drummers get all the play. And after the concert when the kids are all saying goodbye to each other, who has her hand in Mr. Drummer's back pocket? Yep, you guessed it...eyeliner girl...her parents are in SO much trouble.
11:53 AM
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Body Worlds
Current mood: impressed
Okay, I went to Body Worlds 3 on Friday and I have to say if it ever comes someplace near you, you have to go! I had no urge to go at all but Christopher wanted to and then he got a free ticket...and Brent took the day off...and blah blah blah woof woof...there we were at Body Worlds.
A couple of people that I go to school with had already been and loved it, but I was really put off by the promo shots. I do okay in class with the anatomy videos (really really fresh corpse) until they start moving the joints or pushing the muscles aside. Then I get a little squicky...so I wasn't really sure how I was going to deal with real bodies up close and personal.
But no worries...it was so cool I was completely enthralled from the start. And it gave me a chance to show Brent and Christopher just exactly what I have been learning in school. Christopher told me after we left that there was a woman following he and I through the whole exhibit listening to me explaining to him what muscles we were looking at and what they were doing. It made me laugh.
I think every elementary school kid and their parents should have to look at the smokers lungs and then again in middle school as a reminder. I think you would see a lot of adults quitting and not very many kids starting. It was really intense.
I could go on and on about the exhibit but just trust me and go if you can. Also be sure to make sure it's a Body Worlds exhibit or another exhibit that knows just exactly where the bodies come from...one of the ones that is like that has been using the bodies of Chinese prisoners of war. Not that they care now that they are dead, but it just seems so disrespectful to have not had the choice.
1:14 PM
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Here we go again...
Current mood: tired
Okay, start of third term was last Monday. Pathology and Massage 3 this time around. And as usual I was traveling the first week of class with work! Ugh! Missed the lecture on Wednesday that I will be taking a quiz on Monday. God Bless Mari for taking notes for me.
This term I have the same instructor for both classes so 6 hours straight with one teacher. Hopefully she will be good. So far I think she will be hard but fair. That's an okay combination. We will see if my opinion changes as the term goes along.
It was my last trip to Louisville last week. It was kind of weird sitting in the meeting knowing I would not be doing it again. I have seen the same faces for 5 years at these things and to know that this is the last time I will see most of them was odd. Especially since I couldn't really say anything about leaving.
I got a chance to have lunch with Holly (friend of mine back there) and that was wonderful. She is pregnant with her first baby; due in October and looks wonderful. I love a happy pregnant lady!
Okay back to the books, just wanted to give a quick update!
3:02 PM
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Thanks for making it easy....
Current mood: angry
Okay, I gave my boss THE DAY today. Last day will come at the end of September. But he made it really easy on me. Stopped talking to me. Got pissy. Then took credit for an ad I created. Thanks! Now I just wish I could do it earlier...
Seriously...when all is said and done he will have had 10 months notice. WHO DOES THAT?? Ten months! But nope, not enough for him to be a grown up about me leaving.
And then taking credit for my work, now that is just not acceptable.
What a piece of work...
7:44 PM
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
7 more weeks...
Current mood: excited
That's my new mantra. Or at least for this week...next week it will be 6 more weeks...then 5 more weeks...you get the point.
My last day of work is in 7 more weeks. My last day of class for this term is in 7 more weeks. When I make it through this last incredibly busy frustrating time period life should get easier and I can go back to being a little more smiley and a little less bitchy...and believe me EVERYONE is ready for that!!
Wish me (and everyone around me) luck!!
3:55 PM
Saturday, August 11, 2007
6 more weeks...and now midterms...
Current mood: determined
All right, midterms are this week. Spent last week, part of today and will spend all of tomorrow studying. Really, really, really, really want to get those A's. I am trying hard on one hand to accept that it just might not happen with this particular instructor and class structure...but it's just so not my personality to be happy with anything less than that A grade.
Argh...
Wish me luck, either to accept that a B is a perfectly acceptable grade, or to get that A. Your choice!
8:32 PM
Monday, August 13, 2007
Yeah...I don’t think so...
Current mood: drained
So I don't think I got that A. I won't have my grades until next week, the instructor is leaving for Iceland to run a marathon and won't be back in class until next Wednesday so no grades until she comes back....
But I think I am going to have to be happy with a B, and maybe even grateful I pulled that out. Ugh....
So my self esteem is taking a beating this week between work and school and stuff. And to top it off Danny Bonaduce dropped me from his friends, I mean how bad do you have to be for Bonaduce to drop you??
I need to go to the mall....like Sally Field in Soap Dish...probably nobody out there reading this gets that reference...but trust me...it's comedy gold.
Okay...off to study again for round two on Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Failing Up...
Current mood: frustrated
So what do you do when your whole view on how the world works is continually shaken by someone who can fall in a bucket of shit and come out smelling like roses over and over and over?? And not just falling in...but jumping in and wallowing about for a bit...
I have always believed that good things happen to good people and that if you are not a good person the world catches up to you and you fail. But this guy just continues to do the wrong thing, make the wrong choice, be the jerk and even when it looks like he will finally reap the consequences of his actions something happens that saves his ass from the payback. OVER and OVER and OVER....
it's frustrating...just when did he sell his soul to the devil and how long of a deal did he arrange??
Friday, August 17, 2007
Humbled...
Current mood: contemplative
So last week was a wreck, this week was a wreck and yesterday had all of the earmarks of being a wreck.
And then...the people in my life that matter rallied and made yesterday one of the most touching days I have ever had. At the end of the co-op meeting one by one my favorite franchisees said that they appreciated me and what I have done for them. And that out of all the people that have ever worked for them I was the best. The best. Wow. Now I know people always have nice things to say as you leave, but they were so sweet. Scott got all red eyed and sincere, Jeff talked about how even his managers looked forward to spending time with me, Justin talked about all that I have done personally for their business..and then at the end of the meeting Todd stood up and said, "when people are this good at what they do we only have one way of showing it" and they gave me a standing ovation. Yeah...right in to the ugly cry. I am touched. Humbled. Amazed. What am I going to do without these amazing people in my life?
7:23 PM
1 Comments
Monday, August 20, 2007
Funny....
Current mood: amused
So today I turned 39 and last night I hurt my hip...so I am officially the old woman with the bad hip!!
Last year in my 30s. Next year will be graduation and a new career! Can't wait to see what the next 39 years bring!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Well I’ll Be...Or I’ll A I guess....
Current mood: ecstatic
TJ got back from Iceland and was in class today so we got our midterm grades...and I got an A on the Pathology midterm so now I have an A in that class. And I got a high enough A on the written Midterm in M3 to bring that B up to an A. I was shocked, but very excited and incredibly relieved. So there you go...GPA salvaged for the time being...
4:47 PM
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Tired....
Current mood: sad
...have you ever reached the point where you are just bone tired? Soul tired? Feel like you just need about a year of peace and quiet to recuperate? Tired of having the same fights with the same people? Tired of feeling like you are obviously the crazy one? What do you do with yourself when you reach that point? I used to take a day off from the world and lose myself in a good book. Recharge the batteries, but I don't have a day to give right now, so what's a quick pick me up, soul recharge...any suggestions?
3:39 PM
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Oh duh...
Current mood: relaxed
Okay, answered my own question...
Did an exchange with Stacy this morning and feel so much better. So...that quick break/pick me up I needed? yeah...massage. Giving and receiving...
Massage student relax thyself...
7:14 PM
Friday, August 31, 2007
Three weeks to go....
Current mood: relieved
The end is in sight! Going to be a busy three weeks for sure. Met my replacement yesterday...kind of creepy...we look alike. It's almost like he thought if he hired someone that looks like me he could slip her in without anyone noticing...
I am really feeling pretty darn good today. I had a job offer this week that I was tempted by for about 12 hours...then turned down. I know what days I will have to train my replacement. I got to spend time with a good friend that I didn't think I would be able to. I get to see another good friend tomorrow at yet another good friend's wedding. I got reinforcement that massage is what makes me happy. And best of all...I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am pretty sure it's not a train!
Now on to writing a term paper and studying for finals and training my replacement....busy busy busy...
but almost done!!
7:09 PM
February - April 2007
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Mid-terms
Current mood: crazy
Mid-terms next week...everyone wish me luck!
School and work are insane as usual...worked all weekend half days in the office, half days at home studying. I have two quizes in Kinesiology tomorrow and my written mid-term in Massage I tomorrow. Practical Massage I mid-term Wednesday. Written and practical mid-term in Kinesiology on Friday. Oh...and a Co-Op meeting on Thursday. And that little pitch we are working on...
It's all going to slow down soon....I can feel it!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Almost there...
Current mood: tired
All right. Kinesiology Quizes on Monday...done...Massage written and practical mid-terms...done...Co-Op meeting...done....Just the Kinesiology written and practical mid-term left to go. I will have all of my mid-term grades next week. Looking good right now. As long as I keep it together for the tests tomorrow I should be fine...
Tomorrow night, big old nasty drink and some solid sleep to end the week. Can't wait!
7:56 PM
Friday, February 16, 2007
I don't care at all but...
Current mood:aggravated and proud
I want an agreement from everyone who reads this that you will not use, I don't care or it doesn't bother me or it's not a big deal...if you do care, it does bother you and of course it's a big deal. There is someone that I know that will say..."I don't care at all but..." and list all of the things that she obviously cares about but doesn't want to come right out and say, this bothers me...or I am pissed off about...It drives me nuts. I will tell her, no, you do care. You are angry. Own that and go with it. Don't tell me It's not a big deal and I don't care but...
If you didn't care then you wouldn't mention it. Right? So please, let's get an agreement, if you care, then say, I care about this. If it seems petty then you can own that as well. I had to do that today as well. I told someone, yes I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but to me it is so please do what you are doing differently. And you know what? It wasn't a big deal to the person doing it so they changed what they are doing. BUT if I had said you know it's not a big deal and it doesn't bother me but why do you do X? They wouldn't have changed what they were doing and it would have grated on my last nerve everytime I saw it.
Okay, end of vent...now all of you need to agree with me...no more passive aggressive nonsense!
OH! And by the way...Mid-terms are done. That margarita was fabulous. And I am pretty sure I am pulling As so far in the term. Yay for me!
8:37 PM
Saturday, March 03, 2007
It's already March!
Current mood: cheerful
Wow...only 3 more weeks of this term. I cannot believe how quickly it's gone and how much I have learned already. I got the best compliment after performing a massage last week. It was on someone that I had massaged before going to school and now after being in class for awhile. They said they could definitely feel the difference and that I was completely making the right career choice. Yay! It's just nice reinforcement. I felt like Sally Field...you like me! you really like me! You could tell they were impressed with what I was doing, not just because they wanted to be nice to me, but because they really thought I was doing a good job. It made me very proud of myself.
These next two weeks will be nuts. I need to make up the massage class I will miss next week on Wednesday, so double massage on that day, I need to make sure everything at work is done and ready for my co-op meeting when I get back, leave for Minneapolis on Sunday back on Tuesday night, Wednesday make up the quizzes I missed in Kinesiology while I was gone, take a quiz in massage, Thursday co-op meeting, Friday professional massage exchange and evaluation, then study for finals! And fit in there regular work, homework, family time and maybe a little time for me as well...
Holy smokes! Looking forward to term break, those two weeks will be great!
3:07 PM
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Exhausted
Current mood: drained
Back from Minneapolis. We did well, but didn't get the account. Sucks to come in second. We went in thinking we would probably not get it and all we needed was a good showing, but when it came down to it we really wanted to win...oh well...
So back to the whirlwind that is my life. Made up the two quizzes I missed on Monday and took a quiz in Massage as well. Co-op meeting tomorrow, finals next week.
Friday is my professional exchange. It's only for credit, not a grade but I am pretty nervous about it. Giving someone who does this for a living a massage is a little nerve wracking. But I could sure use a professional massage, so I am looking forward to that half!
6:48 PM
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Finals week...
Current mood: busy
Alright, here we go! Everybody wish me luck. Finals are this week. Then...then...then...Two weeks off from school...oh the down time, oh the leisurely hours doing nothing...oh wait...Work...
Well, hell...
3:49 PM
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Most of the way there...
Current mood: tired
Okay, massage written and practical done. Kinesiology left to go. I have an A in the written tests for massage, that will be averaged with my practical tests and so we will see how it goes. Just glad to be mostly done and ready for a little break.
I am amazed how much material we have covered in 11 weeks. It blows my mind. Mari, Stacy and I were talking today before massage about how dazed we all were the first week of class. All of us sitting there wondering if everyone else in class was as lost as we were. Thank goodness we all got it!
So, two classes down, nine more to go...
6:29 PM
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Who has two thumbs and no homework this weekend??
Current mood: excited
Yea! Finals are finished. I will have final grades next week but unless something very very odd happened in Massage I have As in both classes. And here is the big brag...I got a perfect score on my Kinesiology written and practical final! Woo hoo! Yeah...I am a geek. But a proud geek!
I should be able to catch up on some work things and spend some time reading...can't wait! I have already read 3 of the 6 magazines that were stacked up. Should get a book in there as well. yeah....geek.
So two weeks off then Anatomy and Physiology and Massage II. They will be even harder....holy smokes...but I do love it!
7:34 PM
Monday, April 02, 2007
Half way over....
Current mood: cheerful
I can't believe term break is almost over! It seemed like it was going to be longer and more productive than it has been!
I have decided that first weeks of terms are just bound to be bad for me. I start school again on Monday, fly out right after class for Vegas, miss class Wednesday fly back Thursday back in class on Friday. When 3rd term starts in July I will be doing the same thing but only flying to Louisville instead of Vegas!
I am giving a massage to a co-worker on Wednesday evening. Looking forward to showing off a little bit, but also a little nervous. Not sure when that will fade. When the total confidence will kick in. Hopefully soon!
Excited to be back in school. Anatomy and Physiology and Massage II this term. Will be even harder than last term, but I still can't wait. Got my books last week, paid tuition and now am just waiting for it to begin.
7:52 PM
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Overwhelmed...
Current mood: busy
Okay, so I wasn't kidding about this term being harder than last term...
A & P is hard but I was expecting that. What I wasn't expecting is how hard Massage II would be. It's a much more technical class than Massage I was. A blending of Kinesiology with movement therapy basically. Also getting used to a new teacher and teaching style. I like her, she's energetic and very personable, but I am not sure I am getting what I need to get out of her lectures. Seems like I am missing pieces...and they are the pieces that would make it all make sense.
I have my first quiz on Monday in M2 so we will see if I am getting it and just think I am not, or if I am really not getting it...wish me luck!
8:05 PM
Saturday, April 28, 2007
well...
Current mood: peaceful
So I aced that Massage 2 quiz, by the way...I guess I am getting it...just not feeling like I am getting it.
Still freaking out a little about this term but settling in now and not feeling as panicked about it, which is good.
Mid-terms
Current mood: crazy
Mid-terms next week...everyone wish me luck!
School and work are insane as usual...worked all weekend half days in the office, half days at home studying. I have two quizes in Kinesiology tomorrow and my written mid-term in Massage I tomorrow. Practical Massage I mid-term Wednesday. Written and practical mid-term in Kinesiology on Friday. Oh...and a Co-Op meeting on Thursday. And that little pitch we are working on...
It's all going to slow down soon....I can feel it!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Almost there...
Current mood: tired
All right. Kinesiology Quizes on Monday...done...Massage written and practical mid-terms...done...Co-Op meeting...done....Just the Kinesiology written and practical mid-term left to go. I will have all of my mid-term grades next week. Looking good right now. As long as I keep it together for the tests tomorrow I should be fine...
Tomorrow night, big old nasty drink and some solid sleep to end the week. Can't wait!
7:56 PM
Friday, February 16, 2007
I don't care at all but...
Current mood:aggravated and proud
I want an agreement from everyone who reads this that you will not use, I don't care or it doesn't bother me or it's not a big deal...if you do care, it does bother you and of course it's a big deal. There is someone that I know that will say..."I don't care at all but..." and list all of the things that she obviously cares about but doesn't want to come right out and say, this bothers me...or I am pissed off about...It drives me nuts. I will tell her, no, you do care. You are angry. Own that and go with it. Don't tell me It's not a big deal and I don't care but...
If you didn't care then you wouldn't mention it. Right? So please, let's get an agreement, if you care, then say, I care about this. If it seems petty then you can own that as well. I had to do that today as well. I told someone, yes I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but to me it is so please do what you are doing differently. And you know what? It wasn't a big deal to the person doing it so they changed what they are doing. BUT if I had said you know it's not a big deal and it doesn't bother me but why do you do X? They wouldn't have changed what they were doing and it would have grated on my last nerve everytime I saw it.
Okay, end of vent...now all of you need to agree with me...no more passive aggressive nonsense!
OH! And by the way...Mid-terms are done. That margarita was fabulous. And I am pretty sure I am pulling As so far in the term. Yay for me!
8:37 PM
Saturday, March 03, 2007
It's already March!
Current mood: cheerful
Wow...only 3 more weeks of this term. I cannot believe how quickly it's gone and how much I have learned already. I got the best compliment after performing a massage last week. It was on someone that I had massaged before going to school and now after being in class for awhile. They said they could definitely feel the difference and that I was completely making the right career choice. Yay! It's just nice reinforcement. I felt like Sally Field...you like me! you really like me! You could tell they were impressed with what I was doing, not just because they wanted to be nice to me, but because they really thought I was doing a good job. It made me very proud of myself.
These next two weeks will be nuts. I need to make up the massage class I will miss next week on Wednesday, so double massage on that day, I need to make sure everything at work is done and ready for my co-op meeting when I get back, leave for Minneapolis on Sunday back on Tuesday night, Wednesday make up the quizzes I missed in Kinesiology while I was gone, take a quiz in massage, Thursday co-op meeting, Friday professional massage exchange and evaluation, then study for finals! And fit in there regular work, homework, family time and maybe a little time for me as well...
Holy smokes! Looking forward to term break, those two weeks will be great!
3:07 PM
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Exhausted
Current mood: drained
Back from Minneapolis. We did well, but didn't get the account. Sucks to come in second. We went in thinking we would probably not get it and all we needed was a good showing, but when it came down to it we really wanted to win...oh well...
So back to the whirlwind that is my life. Made up the two quizzes I missed on Monday and took a quiz in Massage as well. Co-op meeting tomorrow, finals next week.
Friday is my professional exchange. It's only for credit, not a grade but I am pretty nervous about it. Giving someone who does this for a living a massage is a little nerve wracking. But I could sure use a professional massage, so I am looking forward to that half!
6:48 PM
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Finals week...
Current mood: busy
Alright, here we go! Everybody wish me luck. Finals are this week. Then...then...then...Two weeks off from school...oh the down time, oh the leisurely hours doing nothing...oh wait...Work...
Well, hell...
3:49 PM
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Most of the way there...
Current mood: tired
Okay, massage written and practical done. Kinesiology left to go. I have an A in the written tests for massage, that will be averaged with my practical tests and so we will see how it goes. Just glad to be mostly done and ready for a little break.
I am amazed how much material we have covered in 11 weeks. It blows my mind. Mari, Stacy and I were talking today before massage about how dazed we all were the first week of class. All of us sitting there wondering if everyone else in class was as lost as we were. Thank goodness we all got it!
So, two classes down, nine more to go...
6:29 PM
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Who has two thumbs and no homework this weekend??
Current mood: excited
Yea! Finals are finished. I will have final grades next week but unless something very very odd happened in Massage I have As in both classes. And here is the big brag...I got a perfect score on my Kinesiology written and practical final! Woo hoo! Yeah...I am a geek. But a proud geek!
I should be able to catch up on some work things and spend some time reading...can't wait! I have already read 3 of the 6 magazines that were stacked up. Should get a book in there as well. yeah....geek.
So two weeks off then Anatomy and Physiology and Massage II. They will be even harder....holy smokes...but I do love it!
7:34 PM
Monday, April 02, 2007
Half way over....
Current mood: cheerful
I can't believe term break is almost over! It seemed like it was going to be longer and more productive than it has been!
I have decided that first weeks of terms are just bound to be bad for me. I start school again on Monday, fly out right after class for Vegas, miss class Wednesday fly back Thursday back in class on Friday. When 3rd term starts in July I will be doing the same thing but only flying to Louisville instead of Vegas!
I am giving a massage to a co-worker on Wednesday evening. Looking forward to showing off a little bit, but also a little nervous. Not sure when that will fade. When the total confidence will kick in. Hopefully soon!
Excited to be back in school. Anatomy and Physiology and Massage II this term. Will be even harder than last term, but I still can't wait. Got my books last week, paid tuition and now am just waiting for it to begin.
7:52 PM
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Overwhelmed...
Current mood: busy
Okay, so I wasn't kidding about this term being harder than last term...
A & P is hard but I was expecting that. What I wasn't expecting is how hard Massage II would be. It's a much more technical class than Massage I was. A blending of Kinesiology with movement therapy basically. Also getting used to a new teacher and teaching style. I like her, she's energetic and very personable, but I am not sure I am getting what I need to get out of her lectures. Seems like I am missing pieces...and they are the pieces that would make it all make sense.
I have my first quiz on Monday in M2 so we will see if I am getting it and just think I am not, or if I am really not getting it...wish me luck!
8:05 PM
Saturday, April 28, 2007
well...
Current mood: peaceful
So I aced that Massage 2 quiz, by the way...I guess I am getting it...just not feeling like I am getting it.
Still freaking out a little about this term but settling in now and not feeling as panicked about it, which is good.
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